(The Journal)
Not Every Story Needs a Smile
Not Every Story Needs a Smile
(
Field Notes
)
He didn’t want to smile — and I didn’t want him to.
Rafi had just moved to the city. Seventeen, quiet, guarded. We talked for a while before I ever raised the camera. When I did, I asked him to just sit. Look where he wanted. Be however he felt.
His expression was soft but unreadable — not sad, not joyful. Just... real. And that was enough.
We’re too quick to chase joy in portraits. Sometimes neutrality holds the truth.
🕶 Field Note: Let your subject give you whatever emotion they have — not what you think belongs in the frame.
EXPLORE more
This is LYSANDRA, a Portrait Photography Portfolio.
Designed by JenkateMW
A refined portfolio template for photographers who want to showcase their work through sleek layouts, subtle motion, and a polished visual experience.
GET TEMPLATE
(The Journal)
Not Every Story Needs a Smile
Not Every Story Needs a Smile
(
Field Notes
)
He didn’t want to smile — and I didn’t want him to.
Rafi had just moved to the city. Seventeen, quiet, guarded. We talked for a while before I ever raised the camera. When I did, I asked him to just sit. Look where he wanted. Be however he felt.
His expression was soft but unreadable — not sad, not joyful. Just... real. And that was enough.
We’re too quick to chase joy in portraits. Sometimes neutrality holds the truth.
🕶 Field Note: Let your subject give you whatever emotion they have — not what you think belongs in the frame.
EXPLORE more
This is LYSANDRA, a Portrait Photography Portfolio.
Designed by JenkateMW
A refined portfolio template for photographers who want to showcase their work through sleek layouts, subtle motion, and a polished visual experience.
GET TEMPLATE
(The Journal)
Not Every Story Needs a Smile
Not Every Story Needs a Smile
(
Field Notes
)
He didn’t want to smile — and I didn’t want him to.
Rafi had just moved to the city. Seventeen, quiet, guarded. We talked for a while before I ever raised the camera. When I did, I asked him to just sit. Look where he wanted. Be however he felt.
His expression was soft but unreadable — not sad, not joyful. Just... real. And that was enough.
We’re too quick to chase joy in portraits. Sometimes neutrality holds the truth.
🕶 Field Note: Let your subject give you whatever emotion they have — not what you think belongs in the frame.
EXPLORE more
This is LYSANDRA, a Portrait Photography Portfolio.
Designed by JenkateMW
A refined portfolio template for photographers who want to showcase their work through sleek layouts, subtle motion, and a polished visual experience.
GET TEMPLATE